“Schwan’s Interns You Need to Know” is a new series of stories featuring some of the interns who help make Schwan’s Company and its subsidiaries a great place to work.
 |
| Alissa Schneider joined our summer internship program as a product development intern for Schwan's Home Service, Inc. |
Schneider will take lessons with her as she continues her career development
Aug. 15, 2018 — Looking to gain professional experience before entering her senior year, Alissa Schneider sought a summer internship with Schwan’s Product Innovation and Development (PI&D) team in Marshall, Minnesota.
“I chose to intern at Schwan’s because of the scope of the company and because it was a unique opportunity to develop my skills,” Alissa said. “I was excited to understand how Schwan’s several business units coexist and how my role as a food scientist would fit in.”
Schwan’s hiring team was also a determining factor, Alissa added, saying the leaders who were with her throughout the hiring process were friendly, genuine and their professionalism and experience exceeded her expectations.
Alissa joined Schwan’s as one of the several members of this year’s internship class. During her time here, she worked as a product development intern focusing on foods for Schwan’s Home Service, Inc., a business unit focused on home delivery.
Alissa recently took some time to tell us about herself and her work at Schwan’s:
Q: What have you learned so far this summer?
A: I have learned that product developers are very flexible. Previously, I hadn’t understood the extent to which product developers may work with marketing, sales and finance. I also have a clearer understanding of the necessary steps involved with developing a food product and the need to be objective when developing for consumers.
More generally, I now have an understanding of how a large food company functions across several business units.
Q: What are your thoughts on our culture?
A: Schwan’s culture is incredibly impressive. In my opinion, authentic leadership is the most inspiring part of Schwan’s culture because it is universal. It is helpful to people at all levels of experience and all positions. I appreciate that Schwan’s does not treat culture passively, but makes it integral to the company’s mission.
Q: What do you like best about your work at Schwan’s?
A: The freedom and flexibility to work independently and cross-functionally is the best part of working at Schwan’s. My mentors have put a surprising amount of trust into my work, which has improved my skills and confidence in product development and my ability to work with different teams.
Q: What would you tell a friend considering an internship at Schwan’s?
A: I would tell them that they will work directly with a team of talented and experienced individuals who are eager to teach and give cross-functional working opportunities.
Additionally, the learning and development team and your direct mentors are focused on your professional and personal development. They truly want to see you explore your career options and find which roles best suit you.
Q: What is your greatest take away from your internship?
A: Understanding and applying the culture of meaningful participation is my greatest takeaway from Schwan’s. The culture here is applicable in many areas, including not only my work life, but personal life as well. I think my understanding of the levels of authentic leadership will prove to be significant in my future career.
Q: How do you think your internship will impact your future career?
A: My internship has expanded my career options, making me more open to different career directions and types of companies. Working with knowledgeable, successful product developers has also confirmed desire to continue my education by attending graduate school. I also plan to exude Schwan’s positive, dedicated and authentic culture as I enter the workforce.
Q: What do you hope to do after you graduate?
A: Currently, I plan to continue my education by getting a master’s degree in food science. From there, I may pursue a PhD in food science or enter the workforce to start my career.
